Holidays from Real Job have come and gone, and I have also taken the time to ease off all work related activities, as I badly needed the downtime. I'm back now, but only starting slowly, as Real Job does take a lot of my energy and I don't want to burn out.
Tonight I worked on an idea for marketing that can begin before a company is even formed, and that can be leveraged during negotiations with funders. Still not much to report on the Angel or Mentor front ... I'm beginning to think that it's maybe not going to happen in Sydney. Going to finish off the resume and send it out to a job I saw on seek. It's a step up from my current Rea; Job, and may offer some better networking opportunities.
Also discussed moving house with the wife, as we will no longer need a home office. Real Job is getting one of their own, so no more working from home, which is a good thing. Unfortunately, the location is in the suburbs, which while better for me to commute to (it's walking distance), networking opportunities will probably be nil.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Business Mentor
Finished my resume off, but I'm not so sure about the formatting. I have a long and short version, but the Pages template I used is a bit crap to be honest, so I still probably have an extra night of style changes ahead of me. Also watched Office Space with the wife tonight, which was a nice change of pace. I love watching movies with my wife, there's just something special about sharing a movie with the person you love.
Anyway, I'm currently researching business mentors. Angel investor's may be hard to find, but I think I should be able to find a mentor fairly easy. The challenge will be to find a good one. I think that before I go to a company that specialises in business mentoring, I will try asking a few people I know if they know anyone who might be suitable. I may even fire off a few cold-call emails to some successful Aussies, because you never know I might get lucky and pique their interest.
Anyway, I'm currently researching business mentors. Angel investor's may be hard to find, but I think I should be able to find a mentor fairly easy. The challenge will be to find a good one. I think that before I go to a company that specialises in business mentoring, I will try asking a few people I know if they know anyone who might be suitable. I may even fire off a few cold-call emails to some successful Aussies, because you never know I might get lucky and pique their interest.
Monday, January 8, 2007
More resume work
Almost finished polishing my resume. I'm using Apple Pages, which is a very nice program, but I don't think I like the layout I've chosen. So I'll probably spend tomorrow night finishing up.
I've done some research on migrating to Canada too. Shouldn't be too hard, especially once I get some contracts under my belt. I spoke with a friend who has a resourcing company (plug: TRS), and he gave me some info on the ins and outs of contracting. Sounds pretty complicated, and I remember it was these complications that scared me off last time I considered it. Still, it's the best way to make some good money, and if I can move around enough, I just may stumble across someone who can help me get my ideas started.
I've done some research on migrating to Canada too. Shouldn't be too hard, especially once I get some contracts under my belt. I spoke with a friend who has a resourcing company (plug: TRS), and he gave me some info on the ins and outs of contracting. Sounds pretty complicated, and I remember it was these complications that scared me off last time I considered it. Still, it's the best way to make some good money, and if I can move around enough, I just may stumble across someone who can help me get my ideas started.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Certification
Mainly worked on my 05-06 tax return tonight. Zzzzzzzzzzz.
I also had a look at updating my Java certification. Currently, I have Java 1.4 programmer certification. This is enough for me to do further certification, and I have been thinking about Web and Business objects certifications, which is basically JSP/Servlets and EJBs respectively. However, the exams cost $316 plus GST each, then there's the cost of exam prep books. I think I'll see how my contract hunting goes without these certifications ...
I also had a look at updating my Java certification. Currently, I have Java 1.4 programmer certification. This is enough for me to do further certification, and I have been thinking about Web and Business objects certifications, which is basically JSP/Servlets and EJBs respectively. However, the exams cost $316 plus GST each, then there's the cost of exam prep books. I think I'll see how my contract hunting goes without these certifications ...
Friday, January 5, 2007
The Dreaded Resume
After another awful day at "Real Job", I've decided a change is in order. I think I will start looking for some comparatively low stress Java programming contracts to pay the bills while I try and get my ideas up and running. I'm finding that the stress of my current job, Technical Director of a very small software company, is really affecting my ability to function as a normal human being. Plus I can make more money contracting, which will give me some more flexibility. Also, my current job is a work-from-home situation, which was been great while ny daughter was a baby, but isn't exactly conducive to networking. I think it's time to get back into the real workforce.
Of course this brings with it a task I dread: updating my Resume. I actually have to do three ... one for the start-up focusing on all my skills, one for Java contracts focusing on my programming skills, and one for management contracts focusing on my management skills. So the next few nights I will be "massaging" my resumes. Fortunately, my current resume isn't too out of date, but I don't have anything on my current job.
Today, my wife picked up an application form for a post off box, so next week I'll get that sorted and then the business cards will follow. I have decided to go with Vista as they have a design I like and 100 cards only costs $12.49, although I am yet to see the shipping costs.
I still need to setup the Mac OS X coding environment, so I may do that tomorrow during family nap-time. My first sample Dashboard widget will be a slideshow for iPhoto, if it's possible (I have no idea at this stage). Otherwise, I may make a newsreader for this blog.
Of course this brings with it a task I dread: updating my Resume. I actually have to do three ... one for the start-up focusing on all my skills, one for Java contracts focusing on my programming skills, and one for management contracts focusing on my management skills. So the next few nights I will be "massaging" my resumes. Fortunately, my current resume isn't too out of date, but I don't have anything on my current job.
Today, my wife picked up an application form for a post off box, so next week I'll get that sorted and then the business cards will follow. I have decided to go with Vista as they have a design I like and 100 cards only costs $12.49, although I am yet to see the shipping costs.
I still need to setup the Mac OS X coding environment, so I may do that tomorrow during family nap-time. My first sample Dashboard widget will be a slideshow for iPhoto, if it's possible (I have no idea at this stage). Otherwise, I may make a newsreader for this blog.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Quiet night
Haven't done much tonight. Found a site to get some business cards printed, but I want to get a Post Office Box setup so I can put that address on the cards instead of my home one. I have also downloaded the Xcode IDE for my Mac so I can have a crack at a simple Dashboard widget.
I noticed this story on Digg about Mozilla earning $50 million last year, mainly from proceeds of it's Google search and click throughs on paid Google ads in the results. The revenue model I'm hoping to adopt for all my start-ups will be based upon free content (mostly user-generated) with Google ads and referrals, so the Mozilla news kind of proves the model. Of course you will only make money if you can get very large numbers of users clicking the ads, which is where compelling content and user-empowerment (i.e. Web 2.0) come into it.
I noticed this story on Digg about Mozilla earning $50 million last year, mainly from proceeds of it's Google search and click throughs on paid Google ads in the results. The revenue model I'm hoping to adopt for all my start-ups will be based upon free content (mostly user-generated) with Google ads and referrals, so the Mozilla news kind of proves the model. Of course you will only make money if you can get very large numbers of users clicking the ads, which is where compelling content and user-empowerment (i.e. Web 2.0) come into it.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Some links
Tonight I've been reading Australian Anthill magazine to get inspiration and ideas. There was an interesting article on 'flipping' - basically just building a start-up to be sold. This is exactly what I have in mind, so at least I know that it is possible.
I think I'll also research Apple's MacOS X widgets. I've seen a few and I think it's a great vehicle for advertising web applications. I really like the digg newsfeeder - great for getting your content out there for the cost of a little development time.
Some links from my previous night's Googling:
I think I'll also research Apple's MacOS X widgets. I've seen a few and I think it's a great vehicle for advertising web applications. I really like the digg newsfeeder - great for getting your content out there for the cost of a little development time.
Some links from my previous night's Googling:
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Where are the Angels?
Last night I googled Angels in Vancouver, with some promising results (which I'll link here sooner or later). Tonight, I did the same for Australia, with very different results.
The top Google hits were "matching" sites ... post your idea and they will match you with an Angel. I really don't like this idea, and I'm sure it's not the right way forward for me. Seems too much like a dating service :) Other sites that came up were more VC type companies. I'm not after a board that I need to pitch to, I'm more looking for a business partner with knowledge and capital to get us off the ground. I think it may take some digging around to even get a whiff of an Angel in Sydney.
The top Google hits were "matching" sites ... post your idea and they will match you with an Angel. I really don't like this idea, and I'm sure it's not the right way forward for me. Seems too much like a dating service :) Other sites that came up were more VC type companies. I'm not after a board that I need to pitch to, I'm more looking for a business partner with knowledge and capital to get us off the ground. I think it may take some digging around to even get a whiff of an Angel in Sydney.
Monday, January 1, 2007
First up
So, I've started a blog. Something new for the new year.
Basically, this blog will be the record of my attempts to start up my own software/Internet company. I have ideas, but no idea what to do with them. I understand the general gist of starting a company, but the devil is in the detail as they say.
I work for a software startup company at the moment, but even though I am doing all the work, I only own 2% - which isn't really much (of course, I haven't taken any risks either). I live in Sydney, Australia with my wife of 5 years and our beautiful baby daughter, and I find it difficult to juggle work, family and then more work in the evenings (when mum and bub have gone to bed). The general plan is to get some Angel funding to cover my wage and company expenses, and to get up and running as fast as possible. I'm also going to be looking for an Angel who can mentor me, and who can help with networking. I'm not worried about the technology side of things, but I do know that there's more to a successful software company than just the software, and I also know my limitations.
We are hoping to move to Victoria in BC, Canada, so the first problem is whether to start up in Sydney, or to pursue funds to start in Canada. I'm thinking it will probably be in Sydney, as personal contact will be important in securing an Angel or two.
So, I have my ideas, I know what's needed to get the software done, now my first step is to research Angel networks in Sydney, and also to complete at least a skeleton business plan.
Of course, I have no idea if anyone who stumbles across this blog will even care, so I may just end up talking to myself ...
Basically, this blog will be the record of my attempts to start up my own software/Internet company. I have ideas, but no idea what to do with them. I understand the general gist of starting a company, but the devil is in the detail as they say.
I work for a software startup company at the moment, but even though I am doing all the work, I only own 2% - which isn't really much (of course, I haven't taken any risks either). I live in Sydney, Australia with my wife of 5 years and our beautiful baby daughter, and I find it difficult to juggle work, family and then more work in the evenings (when mum and bub have gone to bed). The general plan is to get some Angel funding to cover my wage and company expenses, and to get up and running as fast as possible. I'm also going to be looking for an Angel who can mentor me, and who can help with networking. I'm not worried about the technology side of things, but I do know that there's more to a successful software company than just the software, and I also know my limitations.
We are hoping to move to Victoria in BC, Canada, so the first problem is whether to start up in Sydney, or to pursue funds to start in Canada. I'm thinking it will probably be in Sydney, as personal contact will be important in securing an Angel or two.
So, I have my ideas, I know what's needed to get the software done, now my first step is to research Angel networks in Sydney, and also to complete at least a skeleton business plan.
Of course, I have no idea if anyone who stumbles across this blog will even care, so I may just end up talking to myself ...
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